Defensively & Offensively Speaking: Colorado

Not surprisingly, our schedule did us a favor by serving up the University of Colorado at this point in our season. This football team did what was necessary to win and made some improvements on defense and in the run game. That’s the good news.

The bad news is nobody can look at this team’s performance and fail to notice that the same mistakes and carelessness keep occurring. My first viewing of the game started when we were ahead 17-0, so what I saw was a team that won 20-14. Granted that’s not a perfect analysis, but does give a different perspective of the game and the team. I just don’t know how much better we are going to be this weekend against Utah compared to our effort against the Buffs.

Offensively Speaking

The offense showed enough pass protection and run blocking to cause Utah to think about both aspects of our offense. Kedon Slovis finally just settled down and played his game. He showed those few people that watched the Pac-12 Network game that he has all the tools necessary to be a next-level quarterback. He executed his touch passes beautifully to Drake London and Michael Trigg and that rocket he threw to Gary Bryant Jr., nobody saw it but just heard it. That was an NFL arm.

Drake London is one tough player with unmatched skills. He demands some type of cloud coverage with a cornerback, safety and linebacker or nickel back. I wouldn’t say he makes things look easy but he does show how much better, tougher and prepared he is combined with generational athleticism.

If Trigg, Bryant and the running game continue to develop, then he will continue to be the most defended player on the field, which opens up others. They might have to motion him through the backfield to force a coverage adjustment by the defense, which they just hate to make. It’s what I would do anyway using the 2×2 formation and motion to a 3×1. That will force man coverage on two receivers and freeze at least one linebacker for a second.

The run game showed up against a pretty weak defense but still looked proficient at times. Keaontay Ingram and Darwin Barlow can break long runs. Vavae Malepeai is an important role player as both a blocker and short-yardage specialist.

The offensive line continues to be a major concern. Penalties (half of the team total) and missed assignments led to stalled drives, redzone issues and pass protection issues against a weak Colorado defense. I would like to think this line will get it together, but frankly I don’t think so. Likely, we’ll have to settle for incremental improvements if at all. One thing I would love to see is Maximus Gibbs as an H-back for a play or two, especially the inside trap play. That would be fun…

Offensive Shoutouts

• Kedon Slovis – Complete game and he had fun
• Drake London – Biletnikoff winner in motion
• Keaontay Ingram – solid running off cuts, don’t fumble
• Michael Trigg – welcome addition

Defensively Speaking

I guess it is ok to let the defense enjoy a well-played game against an over-matched opponent. That won’t be the situation this Saturday. The defense produced five sacks (really a sixth) and held Colorado to only one 3rd down conversion and that came late in the game. What I didn’t like was the lackadaisical linebacker play late in the second half, leading to 14 points. The penalties, missed tackles and sporadic effort was disappointing. It’s time to bring in more freshmen players who can run and play hard at the linebacker spots. Our safety play needs to get right in a hurry. Clearly, the offensive attack play includes multiple receiver routes and confusing the safety. It keeps working.

The scheme was thankfully simplified. Defensive linemen with hands in the turf and getting upfield in a hurry. What a difference five sacks makes on a quarterback’s effectiveness. The run stoppage was good for three quarters. This Saturday will require all four quarters to win and much fewer penalties.

By the way, I was thrilled that Maximus Gibbs was on the field in goal line defense. He did his job big time (pun intended) but the linebacker and safety both screwed up their assignments and got caught inside making an easy score for the Buffs. I wouldn’t mind seeing Maximus right over the center and bull rush on a few 3^rd or 4^th down attempts. Now that is a different look that folks wouldn’t be prepared for.

Defensive Shoutouts

• Tuli Tuipulotu – easily our best DL
• Drake Jackson – finally had his game
• Jacob Lichtenstein – making a difference with constant effort and two sacks

Ok, now it gets really serious again as the Utes come to town. They’re not the same team as last year but they are well-coached and will be well prepared. So hit ‘em hard from the start and don’t let up.